



SJ,^^^ 






>°-n^. 







..^^ 
















^-J-. 



















"^^n^ 



T'^. 









•^ 






r °' 






O M 






,v-»- 










.■^ 



'a-^ 




u.0^' .^^v- %/ ^'/^:- V,.' .c^ 



TTTMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 




gmns anb 1™ cbitatioue. 



By a: l. waring. 



WITH AN INTRODUCTION 



Rev. F. D. HUNTINGTON, D. D. 



FROM THE EIGHTH LONDON EDITION. 





BOSTON : 

E. P. DUTTON AND COMPANY, 

G:t)urcl) 3^3ui)Usl)crs. 

1863. 



JJ^ 57^^ 



.w^. 



I?i^ 



Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1863, by 

E. P. Button & Co., 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of 
Massachusetts. 



RIVERSIDE, CAMBRIDGE: 
STEREOTYPED AND PRINTED BT H. 0. HOUGHTON. 



INTKODUCTION. 



The reasons tliat induce me to recom- 
mend the republication of this Httle volume 
are easily stated. It belongs to a class of 
devotional writings having a peculiar min- 
istry and a peculiar value, — a value not 
the less real because it is not the fashion 
of the age to magnify it. The class is not 
large ; but within it this work takes a hio-h 
place. The tone of spiritual thought and 
feeling in most of the pieces is very lofty 
and very pure. The ideas of a Christian 
life which are wrought into the poetry are 
always both strong and tender, vigorous and 
gentle, brave and trustful. We find few 
traces of that refined religious selfishness on 
the one hand, and that feeble sentimental- 



6 INTRODUCTION. 

ism on the other, which vitiate so much 
of the pious hterature, and especially the 
metrical pious literature, of modern times. 
A state of comfortable pietlstic complacency 
is not here put instead of a self-renouncing 
submission to the perfect will of God, nor 
does the call to action ring out with the 
less clearness and power, because we see 
laid open before us the divine depths of a 
complete and serene communion with the 
indwelling Christ. It is not common to 
meet with the expression of a more pro- 
found, more healthy, more child-like faith, 
or in more chaste, beautiful, and harmoni- 
ous words, than in the lyrics numbered 

VIII., XIV., XV., XVII., XIX., XX., XXV., 

XXVI., and xxxii. These alone would jus- 
tify the claims of a book taking much more 
room than this one. 

Undoubtedly, there are degrees in the 
poetical merit of the different pieces in the 
volume, as might be expected. It would 
be unreasonable to imply that these unpre- 



INTRODUCTION. 7 

tending songs are, in whole or in part, proofs 
of the possession of the very loftiest degree 
of the creative gift, or to presume that all 
Christian minds will prize them equally. 
But tastes are so various, that it is safe 
to include all that appear in the London 
edition. Indeed, there is hardly one that 
does not bear upon it at least some slight 
trace of a refined perception and a select 
faculty ; as, for example : — 

" And let my moments, as they flee, 
Unfold my endless life in. Thee!'''' 

" A heart at leisure from itself J''' 

" Sengs of defence my soul surround." 

" On thee my humbled soul would wait, 
Her utmost weakness calmly learning.^* 

" A life of self-renouncing love 
Is a life of liberty'." 

" Put doubts of my affection by, 
And make me free to sing of thine." 

" For all the work I have to do, 
Is done through strengthening rest in Thee.'^ 

" And when Thy joy the Church o'erflows, 
I know that it will visit me." 



8 INTRODUCTION. 

Into such stanzas as the following inven- 
tive thought and holy trust crowd their 
meaning compactly and yet musically : — 

" Oft in a dark and lonely place, 

I hush my hastened breath, 
To hear the comfortable words 

Thy loving Spirit saith; 
And feel my safety in thy hand 

From every kind of death.'''' 

" Glory to aiee for strength withheld, 

For want and weakness known, — 
The fear that sends me to thy breast 

For what is most my own. 
I have a heritage of joy 

That yet I must not see; 
The hand that bled to make it mine 

Is keeping it for vie.'''' 

" Henceforth, whate'er my heai-t's desire. 
Fulfil in me thy own design; 
I need the Fountain and the Fire, 

And both, O King of Saints, are thine." 

Nor wdll any reader who has ever made 
a study of style fail to notice the frequent 
occurrence of fine discriminations in the 
application of terms, of delicate shades of 
imaginative coloring, and of a certain re- 



INTRODUCTION. 9 

serve and self-command in the use of fancy 
when there was an obvious temptation to 
a much more prodigal expenditure of it. 
Repeatedly we find line after line of words 
of a single syllable. Such simplicity is not 
often found except in union with strength. 
One is led to believe that this is one of 
those instances where intellectual originality 
is both developed and disciplined by the 
energy of a spiritual hfe in the soul. It 
is doubtful whether the author would ever 
have appeared as a genius, if " the eyes 
of her understandincr " had not been " en- 
lightened " by that " love of Christ which 
passeth knowledge," — so comprehending 
" what is the length and breadth and 
depth and height." 



F. D. H. 



Boston, 

Day of the Annunciation, 

1863. 



Junius axib iHebitatiou', 




" My times are in Thy hand." — Psalm xxxi. 15. 

;ATHER, I know tliat all my life 
Is portioned out for me, 
And the changes that are sure to come, 

I do not fear to see ; 
But I ask Thee for a present mind 
Intent on pleasing Thee. 



I ask Thee for a thoughtful love. 
Through constant watching wise, 

To meet the glad with joyful smiles, 
And to wipe the weeping eyes ; 

And a heart at leisure from itself, 
To soothe and sympathize. 



12 HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

I would not have the restless will 

That hurries to and fro, 
Seekino; for some great thino* to do, 

Or secret thing to know ; 
I would be treated as a child, 

And guided where I go. 

Wherever in the world I am. 

In whatsoe'er estate, 
I have a fellowship with hearts 

To keep and cultivate ; 
And a work of lowly love to do 

For the Lord on whom I wait. 

So I ask Thee for the daily strength. 

To none that ask denied. 
And a mind to blend with outward life 

While keeping at Thy side ; 
Content to fill a little space, 

If Thou be glorified. 

And if some things I do not ask. 
In my cup of blessing be, 



HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 



U 



I would have my spirit filled the more 
With grateful love to Thee — 

]\Iore carefiil — not to serve Thee much, 
But to please Thee perfectly. 

There are briers besetting every path, 

That call for patient care ; 
There is a cross in every lot, 

And an earnest need for prayer ; 
But a lowly heart that leans on Thee 

Is happy anywhere. 

In a service which Thy will appoints, 

There are no bonds for me ; 
For my inmost heart is taught " the 
truth " 

That makes Thy children " free ; " 
And a life of self-renomicing love, 

Is a life of liberty. 



^^m^ 



II. 



" Thou maintainest mj' lot." — Psalm xvi. 5. 




f^OURCE of my life's refreshing 
springs, 

Whose presence in my heart sustains me, 
Thy love appoints me pleasant things, 
Thy mercy orders all that pains me. 



If loving hearts were never lonely, 
If all they wish might always be. 

Accepting what they look for only, 

They might be glad, but not in Thee. 



Well may Thy own beloved, who see 
In all their lot their Father's pleasure. 

Bear loss of all they love, save Thee, 
Their living, everlasting treasm'e 



HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 15 

Well may Thy happy children cease 
From restless wishes prone to sin, 

And, in Thy own exceeding peace, 
Yield to Thy daily disciphne. 

We need as much the cross we bear, 
As air we breathe, — as light we see ; 

It ch'aws us to Thy side in prayer, 
It binds us to our strength in Thee. 





III. 



" If ye shall ask anything in my name, I -will do it.' 
John xiv. 14. 



prayer to the promise shall 
cling — 
I will not give heed to a doubt ; 
For I ask for the one needful thing, 
Which I cannot be happy mthout. 



A spirit of lowly repose 

In the love of the Lamb that was slain, 
A heart to be touched with his woes. 

And a care not to grieve Him again — 

1 

The peace that my Saviour has bought, 
The cheerfulness nothing can dim. 

The love that can bring every thought 
Into perfect obedience to Him — 



HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. j; 

The wisdom his mercy to own 

In the way he directs me to take, — 

To glory in Jesus alone, 

And to love, and do good for His sake. 

All this Thou hast offered to me 

In the promise whereon I will rest ; 

For faith, O my Saviour, in Thee, 
Is the substance of all my request. 

Thy word has commanded my prayer. 
Thy spirit has taught me to pray ; 

And all my unholy despair 
Is ready to vanish away. 

Thou wilt not be weary of me. 
Thy promise my fiiith will sustain, 

And soon, very soon, I shall see 

That I have not been asking in vain. 



IV. 



I, even I, am He that comforteth vou." — Isaiah li. 12. 




jWEET is the solace of Thy love, 
My Heavenly Friend, to me, 
While through the hidden way of faith 

I journey home with Thee, 
Learning by quiet thankfulness 
As a dear child to be. 



Though from the shadow of Thy peace 

My feet would often stray. 
Thy mercy follows all my steps. 

And will not turn away ; 
Yea, thou wilt comfort me at last. 

As none beneath Thee may. 



^9 



MYCINS AND MEDITATIONS. 

Oft in a dark and lonely place, 
I hush my hastened breath, 

To hear the comfortable words 
Thy loving Spmt saith ; 

And feel my safety in Thy hand 
From every kind of death. 

O there is nothino; in the world 
To weigh against Thy will ; 

Even the dark times I di-ead the most 
Thy covenant fulfil ; 

And when the pleasant morning dawns 
I find Thee with me still. 



Then in the secret of my soul. 
Though hosts my peace invade. 

Though through a waste and weary land 
My lonely way be made. 

Thou, even Thou, wilt comfort me — 
I need not be afraid. 

Still in the solitary place 
I would awhile abide, 



20 HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

Till with the solace of Thy love 
My heart is satisfied ; 

And all my hopes of happiness 
Stay calmly at Thy side. 




V. 



" I -will pour water on him that is thirsty, and floods upon 
the dry ground." — Isaiah xliv. 3. 




^^OURCE of my spirit's deep desire 
For living joys that sliall not 
perish, 
The patient hope Thy words inspire, 
Still let Thy tender mercy cherish. 



On Thee my humbled soul would wait, 
Her utmost weakness calmly learning. 

And see Thy grace its way create, 

Through thorns and briers which Thou 



art burning.* 



Gladly my inmost heart would know 
The love that now it faintly traces, 

* Isaiah xxvii. 4. 



22 HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

And see the streams from Zion flow 
O'er all its waste and desert places. 

And still I hope — O not in vain ! 

I know, this holy seed possessing, 
Thou Avilt come down like gentle rain, 

And make the barren gromid a blessing. 




VI. 



" The Lord blessed the Seventh day and hallowed it. 
Exodus xx. 11. 




|EAM on us brightly, blessed day, 
Dawn softly for our Saviour's 
sake ; 

And waft thy sweetness o'er our way, 
To draw us heavenward when we wake. 



O holy life that shall not end. 

Light that will never cease to be — 

May every Sabbath-day we spend. 
Add to our happiness in Thee. 



VII. 



" In returning and rest shall ye be saved ; in quietness 
and confidence shall be your strength." — Isaiah xxx. 15. 




'ITH a heart full of anxious request, 
'^ Which my Father in heaven be- 
stowed, 
I wandered alone, and distressed, 

In search of a quiet abode. 
Astray and distracted I cried, — 

Lord, where would'st Thou have me to 
be? 
And the voice of the Lamb that had died 
Said, Come, my beloved, to me. 



I went — for He mightily wins 

Weary souls to His peaceful retreat — 

And He gave me forgiveness of sins, 
And songs that I love to repeat ; 



IIYMXS AND MEDITATIONS. 

And oft as my enemies came, 
My views of His glory to dim, 

He taught me to trust in His name, 
And to triumph by leaning on Him. 

Made pure by the blood that He shed. 

My heart in His presence was free ; 
I was hungiy and thirsty — He fed ; 

I was sick, and he comforted me ; 
He gave me the blessmg complete — 

The hope that is with me to-day, 
And a quiet abode at his feet. 

That shall not be taken away. 



25 





VIII. 

"The Lord is the i'^rtion of mine inheritance." — Psalm 
tvi. 5. 

'HOUGH some good things of lower 

wortli 
My heart is called on to resign, 
Of all the gifts in heaven and earth, 
The greatest and the hest is mine : 
The love of God in Christ made known — 
The love that is enough alone, 
My Father's love is all my o^vn. 

My soul's Restorer, let me learn 

In that deep love to live and rest — 

Let me the precious thing discern 
Of which I am indeed possess'd. 



HYMXS AXD MEDITATIOXS. 27 

My treasure let me feel and see, 
And let my moments, as they flee, 
Unfold my endless life in Thee. 

Let me not dwell so much A^Hithin 

My bounded heart, with anxious heed — 

Where all my searches meet w^th sin, 
And nothing satisfies my need — 

It shuts me from the sound and sio-ht 

o 

Of that piu'e world of life and hght. 
Which has no breadth, or length, or height. 

Let me Thy power. Thy beauty see ; 

So shall the hopeless labor cease, 
And my free heart shall follow Thee 

Tln'ough paths of everlasting peace. 
My strength Thy gift, — my life Thy care, — 
I shall forget to seek elsewhere 
The wealth to which my soul is heir. 

I was not called to walk alone, 

To clothe myself with love and light ; 



28 



HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 



And for Thy glory, not my own, 

My soul is precious in Thy sight. 
My evil heart can never he 
A home, a heritage for me — 
But Thou canst make it fit for Thee. 





IX, 



" I will fear no evil, for thou art with me." 
xxiii. 4. 



Psalm 




N Heavenly Love abiding, 

No change my heart shall fear, 
And safe is such confiding, 
For nothino; chancres here. 
The storm may roar without me, 

My heart may low be laid, 
But God is round about me. 
And can I be dismayed ? 



Wherever He may guide me. 
No want shall turn me back ; 

My Shepherd is beside me. 
And nothino; can I lack. 



30 HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

His wisdom ever waketh, 
His siglit is never dim, — 

He knows the way He taketh, 
And I will walk with Him. 

Green pastures are before me, 

Which yet I have not seen ; 
Bright skies will soon be o'er me, 

Where the dark clouds have been. 
My hope I cannot measure, 

My path to life is free. 
My Saviour has my treasure. 

And He will walk with me. 




" There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.' 
— Prov. xviii. 24:. 




OULD that I were more closely 
l^ bound 

To my Beloved, who ever lives ; 
Would that my soul were always fomid 

Abiding in the peace He gives ; 
Would that I might more clearly see 
His love an heritage for me ; 
More surely know, more meekly own. 
His bounteous grace my strength alone ! 



And much I wish — but I will pray 
For wisdom that the lowly find, — 

And, O my Saviour, every day, 

More of Thy meek and quiet mind. 



32 HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

The comfort of a mine! at rest 
From every care Thou hast not blest, 
A heart from all the world set free, 
To worship and to wait on Thee. 

Ah ! my Beloved who wilt not die, 

Whose spirit does not change with mine, 
Put doubts of my affection by, 

And make me free to sing of Thine. 
The more Thy goodness I confess, 
I shall not surely love Thee less ; 
The more myself alone I see. 
The farther off I feel from Thee. 

Thou art my life's restoring rest. 
In Thee for safety let me hide, — 

And win me for Thy grateful guest 
By love that will not be denied. 

Try me with Thy refining fire, 

Array me in Thy white attire. 

Be Wisdom, Righteousness to me. 

The River of my pleasures be. 

And fill my life with love of Thee. 



XL 



I will bless the Lord at all times." — Psalm xxxiv. 1. 



EXDER mercies, on my way 
Falling softly like the dew, 
Sent me freshly every day, 
I will bless THE Lord for you. 




Though I haye not all I would. 
Though to greater bliss I go. 

Every present gift of good 
To Eternal Love I owe. 



Source of all that comforts me, 
AVell of joy for which I long. 

Let the sono; I sino; to Thee 
Be an everlastincp song. 




XII. 

" Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive ; and plen- 
teous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee." — Psalm 
Ixxxvi. 5. 

■Y Saviour whose infinite grace 
Most kindly encompasses me, 
Whose goodness more brightly I 
trace, 
The more of my life that I see. — 
The sins that I mournfully own, 

Thy meekness and mercy exalt, — 
And sweet is the voice from Thy throne, 
That tenderly shows me a fault. 

Even now, while my praises arise, 

A sorrowful spirit is mine ; 
A spirit Thou wilt not despise, 

For oh ! it is mourning with Thine. 



HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 



35 



My joy is in light from above, 

The hght which Thy kindness displays ; 
My grief is for lack of the love 

That would tune my whole life to Thy 
praise. 

My faithful Redeemer, forgive 

The sin it has grieved Thee to see, 
And let me remember to live 

In the Spirit that glorifies Thee. 
Though much in Thy child Thou hast borne. 

Thy counsels still gently repeat, 
And give me, if still I must mourn, 

To mourn as a child at Thy feet. 





XIII. 

" I Avill trust in the covert of Thy wings." — Psalm Ixi. 4. 

NDER Thy wings, my God, I rest , 

Under Thy shadow safely he ; 
By Thy own strength in peace pos- 
sessed, 
While dreaded evils pass me by. 

With strong desire I here can stay 
To see Thy love its work complete ; 

Here I can wait a long delay. 
Reposing at my Saviour's feet. 



My place of lowly service, too, 

Beneath Thy sheltering wings I see ; 

For all the work I have to do 

Is done through strengthening rest in 
Thee. 



HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 37 

I woiLld not rise this rest above ; 

I do not mourn my low estate ; 
Sure of my riches in Thy love, 

I feel it good to trust and wait. 

In fiith and patience is repose ; 

In faith and rest my strength shall be ; 
And when Thy joy the church o'erflows, 

I know that it will visit me. 



^^ 



g2^¥M 



XIY. 

" For the Lord shall comfort Zion : He will comfort all her 
waste places; and He will make her wilderness like Eden, 
and her desert like the garden of the Lord ; joy and gladness 
shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of mel- 
ody."— Isaiah li. 3. 

" Sing, Heavens; and be joyful, Earth; for the Lord 
hath comforted his people." — Isaiah xlix. 13. 




LIVING, loving, lasting word, 
My listening ear believing heard, 
While bending down in prayer ; 
Like a sweet breeze that none can stay, 
It passed my soul upon its way. 
And left a blessino; there. 



Then joyful thoughts that come and go, 
By paths the holy angels know, 
Encamped around my soul ; 



UmfNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

As in a dream of blest repose, 
*Mid withered reeds a river rose, 
And through the desert stole. 

I lifted up my eyes to see — 
The wilderness was glad for me. 

Its thorns were bright with bloom ; 
And onward travellers still in sight, 
Marked out a path of shining light. 

And shade unmixed with gloom. 

O sweet the strains of those before, 
" The weary knees are weak no more, 

The faithful heart is strong ; " 
But sweeter, nearer, from above. 
That word of everlasting love. 

The promise and the song. 



39 




XV. 



" I Avait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word 
do I hope." — Psalm cxxx. 5. 




Y Saviour, on the word of truth 

In earnest hope I Kve ; 
I ask for all the precious things 
Thy boundless love can give. 
I look for many a lesser light 

About my j)ath to shine ; 
But chiefly long to walk with Thee, 
And only trust m Thine. 



In holy expectation held, 

Thy strength my heart shall stay, 
For Thy right hand will never let 

]\Iy trust be cast away. 



HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 41 

Yea, Thou hast kept me near Thy feet, 

In many a deadly strife, 
By the stronghold of hope in Thee, 

The hope of endless life. 

Thou knowest that I am not blest 

As Thou would'st have me be. 
Till all the peace and joy of faith 

Possess my soul in Thee ; 
And still I seek 'mid many fears, 

With yearnings unexprest, 
The comfort of Thy strengthening love. 

Thy soothing, settling rest. 

It is not as Thou wilt 's\T[th me. 

Till, humbled in the dust, 
I know no place in all my heart 

Wherein to put my trust. 
Until I find, O Lord, in Thee, 

The Lowly and the Meek, 
That fulness which Thy own redeemed 

Go nowhere else to seek. 



42 HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

Then, O my Saviour, on my soul, 

Cast down, but not dismayed. 
Still be Thy chastening, healing hand 

In tender mercy laid. 
And while I wait for all Thy joys. 

My yearning heart to fill. 
Teach me to walk and work with Thee, 

And at Thy feet sit still. 




XVI. 




A NEW YEAR'S MORXIXG SONG. 

** He hath put a new song in my mouth, even thanksgiv- 
ing unto our God." — Psalm xl. 3. 

HAXKSGIYING and the voice of 
melody, 

This new year's morning, call me 

from my sleep ; 

A new, sweet song is in my heart for Thee, 

Thou faithful, tender Shepherd of the sheep ; 

Thou knowest where to find, and how to 

keep 
The feeble feet that tremble where they 

stray, — 
O'er the dark mountains — through the 

whelming deep — 
Thy everlasting mercy makes its way. 



44 



HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 



The past is not so dark as once it seemed, 
For there Thy footprints, now distinct, I 

see ; 
A.nd seed in weakness sown, from death 

redeemed. 
Is springing up, and bearing fr'uit in Thee. 
Not all that hath been, Lord, henceforth 

shall be ; 
A low, sweet, cheering strain is in mine 

ear, 
Thanksgiving, and the voice of melody, 
Are leading in, fr'om Heaven, a blest new 

year. 

With voice subdued, my listening spirit 

sings. 
As backward on the trodden path I gaze. 
While ministering" angels fold their wings. 
To fill with lowly thoughts my song of 

praise. 
The shadow of the past on future days. 
Will make them clear to my instructed 
sight ; 



HYMXS AND MEDITATIONS. 



45 



For the licart's knowledge of Thy sacred 

ways, 
Even in its deepest, darkest shades, is hght. 

I am not stronger — yet I do not fear 
The present pain, the conflict yet to be ; 
Experience is a kind voice in mine ear, 
And all my failures bid me lean on Thee. 
No future suffering can seem strange to me, 
While in the hidden part I feel and know 
The wisdom of a child at rest and free 
In the tried love, Avhose judgment keeps 
him low. 

Thanksmvino; and the voice of melodv ! 
Oh, to my trancpil heart how sweet the 

strain ! 
Father of mercies, it arose in Thee, 
And to Tliv bosom it returns ao;ain. 
There let my gratefid song, my soul, remain. 
Calm in the risen Saviour's tender care ; 
And welcome any trial, any pain. 
That serves to keep thy faithful children 

there. 



46 HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

Thouglits of Thy love — and oli, liow great 
the sum ! 

Endm'ing grief, obtaining bhss for me ; 

The world, life, death, things present, tilings 
to come, 

All swell the new year's opening melody. 

Past, present, future, all tilings worship 
Thee; 

And I, through all, with trembling joy be- 
hold, 

While mountains fall, and treacherous vis- 
ions flee. 

Thy wandering sheep returnhig to the fold. 



XVIL 

"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: 
Thou hast put off my sackcloth and girded me with glad- 
ness. To the end that my glory may sing praise to Thee, 
and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto 
Thee for ever." — Psalm xxx. 11, 12. 




[TREXGTH of the still secluded 
thought, 

That fears, yet longs, its joy to show, — 
The hope, the awe, in mercy taught 
To make me strong, to keep me low ; 
Now shall my girded heart rejoice, 
In praise poured out, in love expressed; 
Now will I bless Thee, with a voice 
That shall not break this sacred rest. 



Once, moved by every mortal pain, 
By every pleasure quickly past, 



48 HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

I feared to speak in joyful strain 
Of hidden life that might not last. 
Now, from a well that will not fail, 
In Thee my deep rejoicing springs — 
Now, from Tliy rest within the veil, 
My spirit looks on passing things. 

Once, with Thy tired ones homeward bent, 

In hope that rose their fears above, 

JNIy leaping heart could be content 

To greet them with a silent love ; 

I too had walked with weary feet. 

And heard the exultino; shout too near — 

I too had felt the toil and heat, 

The wind and storm I did not fear. 

Perhaps the Heavenward look in store, 
The speechless prayer for strength or rest, 
Might help those needy spirits more 
Than hope set forth, or joy expressed. 
But I was changed, I knew not how. 
By the same love that chose their ways, — 
I might be just as weary now. 
And yet rejoice to hear Thy praise. 



HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 49 

Now would I cheer the faint in heart 
With sound of joy they too shall see ; 
Now would I put the fear apart, 
That bids me hide Thy strength in me. 
What though the mortal flesh be frail, 
The willing spirit prone to sink — 
There is a stream in Baca's vale, 
Whereof Thy feeblest child may di'ink. 

Some, in their sorrow, may not know 
How near their feet those waters glide — 
How peaceful fi'uits for healing grow, 
And flowers for beauty by their side. 
They may not see, wdth weeping eyes 
Upon the dreary desert bent. 
How glorious straight before them, lies 
The Eden of their soul's content. 

But, O my Saviour, I can see 
For them, what once for me was seen ; 
I know, whate'er their sufferings be, 
The tender mercy which they mean. 



50 



HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 



I do not watch, with anxious care, 
To see the end of then- distress — 
Thou knowest what the heart must bear, 
The human heart which Thou wilt bless. 

And in their daily deepening need 
Of heavenly love, for strength or rest, 
They are already blest indeed — 
Yea, and much more they shall be blest. 
Wrapt in the spirit of Thy praise. 
As from Gerizim's height, I see 
Blessing poured out on all the ways, 
That prove Thy children's need of Thee. 

O wondrous love, so strong to smite — 
So meek the opposing will to tame ! 
It was Thy hand put forth in might, 
That led me through the flood, the flame. 
When, needing strength to bear Thy rod, 
By the smooth stream I found repose, 
It was Thy grace, All-seeing God, 
Thy love that smote me, ere I rose. 



IIYMXS AND MEDITATIONS. 



51 



How could I look for lengthened rest, 
With Thy deep sufferings scarcely known, 
Or lay forever on Thy breast. 
The perfect heart which Thou wilt own ? 
The heart, that guilty of Thy woes. 
Looks only upon Thee to mourn. 
And feels the cross Thy love bestows, 
A burden easy to be borne. 

And yet that pause was not in vain — 
It was a blessing meet to give 
Strength, for the labor and the pain. 
Whereby alone my soul might live. 
How gently thence Thy mighty hand 
My lingering spirit onward bare ! 
How precious, in a barren land. 
The footprints of Thy people were ! 

There many hearts that knew Thy ways 
The safety of my soul could see — 
And there I heard the song of praise. 
That Faith poured out to Heaven for me. 



52 HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

Oh, more than all the ease I sought, 
That song the desert path could bless — 
And dearer in my deepest thought, 
The love that met me in distress. 

Now that Thy mercies on my head 
The oil of joy for mourning pour, — 
Not as I will my steps be led, 
But as Thou wilt for evermore. 
Henceforth, whate'er my heart's desire. 
Fulfil in me Thy own design, 
I need the fountain and the fire — 
And both, O King of Saints, are thine. 

Now that my sense of rest in Thee, 
Rules over every rising fear. 
Pain, pleasm'e, all I feel and see. 
Thy counsels to my soul endear. 
Now can my girded heart rejoice. 
In praise poured out, in love expressed — 
Now may I bless Thee, with a voice 
That shall not break this sacred rest. 



XVIII. 

NATURAL AFFECTION IN THE NEW CREATURE. 

" It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body." 
— 1 CoK. XV. 44. 

ffESUS, Lord of Heaven above, 
Earth beneath is all Thy own 
In the depths of Heavenly love 
Let my human heart be soAvn. 

Let my love that as a gram 
None on earth might care to see, 
Buried in Thy grave remain. 
Be a precious seed to Thee. 




Thou wilt raise it, though it die. 
Thou wilt see it hidden there — 



54 



HYMXS AND MEDITATIONS. 

Thou wilt guard it with Thine eye 
From the spirits of the air. 

None shall take it thence away; 
It is sown for Thy delight : 
Thou wilt shine on it by day, — 
Thou wilt shield it in the night. 

Where the silent waters flow, 
It shall multiply its root ; 
It shall blossom, it shall grow. 
It shall bear immortal fi'uit. 

Sown in weakness, raised in power 
Sown in suffering, raised in peace - 
It shall brave the blighting hour. 
In the year of drought increase. 

Never hurt by sun or storm. 
Blest its every stage shall be ; 
Dying in its mortal form — 
Living evermore in Thee. 



XIX. 



*' Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is staid 
on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." — Isaiah xxvi. 3. 




H, this is blessing, this is rest — 
Into Thine arms, O Lord, I flee ; 
I hide me in Thy faithful breast, 
And pour out all my soul to Thee. 
There is a host dissuading me, — 
But, all their voices far above, 
I hear Thy words — " O taste and see 
The comfort of a Saviour's love." 
And, hushing every adverse sound. 
Songs of defence my soul surround. 
As if all saints encamped about 
One trusting heart pursued by doubt. 



56 HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

And oh, how solemn, yet how sweet 
Their one assured, persuasive strain ! 
" The Lord of Hosts is tliy retreat, 
The Man who bore thy sin, thy pain. 
Still in His hand thy times remain — 
Still of His body thou art part ; 
And He will prove his right to reign 
O'er all things that concern thy heart." 

tenderness — O truth divine ! 
Lord, I am altogether thine. 

1 have bowed down — I need not flee — 
Peace, peace is mine in trusting Thee. 

And now I count supremely kind. 
The rule that once I thought severe ; 
And precious to my altered mind. 
At length. Thy least reproofs appear. 
Now to the love that casts out fear, 
Mercy and truth, indeed seem one ; 
Why should I hold my ease so dear ? 
The work of training must be done. 
I must be taug-ht what I would know — 



IIYAJNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

I must be led where I would cro - 
And all the rest ordained for me, 
Till that which is not seen I see 
Is to be found in trusting Thee. 



57 





XX. 



" The Lord is my portion, saith my soul ; therefore will 
I hope in Him." — Lamentations iii. 24. 



■ Y heart is resting, O my God, — 
I will give thanks and sing ; 
My heart is at the secret source 
Of every precious thing. 
Now the frail vessel Thou hast made 

No hand but Thine shall fill — 
For the waters of the Earth have failed, 
And I am thirsty still. 

I thirst for springs of heavenly life. 
And here all day they rise — 

I seek the treasure of Thy love. 
And close at hand it lies. 

And a new song is in my mouth 
To long loved music set — 



HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 59 

Glory to Thee for all the grace 
I have not tasted yet. 



Glory to Thee for strength withheld, 

For want and weakness known — 
And the fear that sends me to Thy breast 

For what is most my own. 
I have a heritage of joy 

That yet I must not see ; 
But the hand that bled to make it mine 

Is keeping it for me. 

There is a certainty of love 

That sets my heart at rest — 
A calm assurance for to-day 

That to be poor is best — 
A prayer reposing on His truth 

Who hath made all thino-s mine. 
That draws my captive Avill to Him, 

And makes it one with Thine. 

I will oive thanks for sufferino; now, 
For want and toil and loss — 



6o HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

For the death that sin makes hard and slow, 

Upon my Sa™m''s cross — 
Thanks for the little spring of love 

That gives me strength to say, 
If they will leave me part in Him, 

Let all things pass away. 

Sometimes I long for promised bliss. 

But it will not come too late — 
And the songs of patient spirits rise 

From the place wherein I wait ; 
While in the faith that makes no haste 

My soul has time to see 
A kneelmg host of Thy redeemed, 

In fellowship with me. 

There is a multitude around 

Responsive to my prayer ; 
I hear the voice of my desire 

Resounding everywhere. 
But the earnest of eternal joy, 

In every prayer I trace ; 
I see the glory of the Lord 

On every chastened face. 



HYMXS AND MEDITATIONS. 6 1 

How oft, in still communion known, 

Those spirits have been sent 
To share the travail of my soul, 

Or show me what it meant ! 
And I lono; to do some work of love 

No spoiling hand could touch, 
For the poor and suflPenng of Thy flock 

Who comfort me so much. 

But the yeanling thought is mingled now 

With the thankful song I sing; 
For Thy people know the secret source 

Of every precious thing. 
The heart that ministers for Thee 

In Thy own work will rest ; 
And the subject spii'it of a child 

Can serve Thy children best. 

Mine be the reverent, listening love, 

That waits all day on Thee, 
With the service of a watchful heart 

AYliich no one else can see — 



62 HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

The faitli that, in a hidden way 

No other eye may know, 
Finds all its daily work prepared, 

And loves to have it so. 

My heart is resting, O my God, 

My heart is in Thy care — 
I hear the voice of joy and health 

Resounding everywhere. 
" Thou art my portion," saith my soul, 

Ten thousand voices say. 
And the music of their glad Amen, 

Will never die away. 





XXI. 

" I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and 
speak comfortably unto her. And I will give her her vine- 
yards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of 
hope; and she shall sing there." — Hosea ii. 14, 15. 

" I know, Lord, that Thy judgments are right, and that 
Thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me." — Psalm cxix. 75. 




WILL love Thee, O Lord, my 
strengtli — 

Thee shall my rescued heart em- 
brace ; 
Thy love, m all its breadth and length, 
Shall be my peaceful dwelling place. 
Whom have I on the earth beside ? 
Thy cross. Thy crown of thorns I see ; 
Thou who to save my life hast died, 
I will have fellowship with Thee. 



64 HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

Surely Thy liuman heart has borne 
My greatest grief, my least distress — 
Surely I see my Sa\dour mourn 
With the bowed spirit He will bless. 
Nailed to Thy cross, I would not fly 
The pain it grieves Thy soul to give : 
If because Thou hast died I die, 
Because Thou livest I shall live. 

How could a moment's pang destroy 

My heart's confirmed repose in Thee ? 

Th^ presence is sufficient joy 

To one reclaimed and spared like me. 

It is enough that I am Thine — 

Almighty to redeem from sin ; 

Thou shalt subdue, correct, refine 

The heart which Thou hast died to win. 

Now, through this light and passing pain, 
The travail of Thy soul I see — 
I know Thou hast not borne in vain 
The mortal anguish due to me ; 



HY.yXS AND MEDITATIONS. 65 

Thoughts of a love unfelt before 
In comfort on my heart descend — 
This suffering must have cost Thee more 
Than I can ever comprehend. 

Yet, through a sacred sympathy, 
I of Thy precious death partake ! 
I feel my fellowship with Thee, 
And with the Father for Thy sake. 
I see the source of all Thy woe. 
Thy resurrection's power I feel — 
And streams of livino; waters flow * 
Through the dry desert where I kneel. 

Shielded from every fear of ^vrath, — 
Looking through love on all that is — 
I see about my troubled path 
A cloud of tranquil mtnesses. 
Happy the chastening to endure. 
That makes me one, in love and trust. 
With all the lowly, all the pure, 
All the tried spirits of the just. 

* St. John vii. 38, 39. 
5 



66 HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

Thy cliilclren's sympathy is sweet, 
But all is measured — all in part ; 
Into Thy love my hopes retreat, 
For that which satisfies the heart. 
There may be other love in store, 
But none whereof Thy child may say — 
My strength, my life, for evermore, 
My ample portion day by day. 

Such solace as around me grows, 
Thou for my need shalt still prepare — 
But make Thy bosom my repose, 
And fix my expectation there. 
For Thou canst cherish and uphold 
Life, that no eye but Thine may see — 
And no rough wind, no heat, or cold. 
Shall hurt the love that clings to Thee. 

In to Thy silent place of prayer, 
The anxious wandering mind recall — 
Dwell mid Thy own creation there, 
Restoring, claiming, hallowing all. 



HYMXS AXD MEDITATIONS. 67 

Then the cahn spirit, won from sin, 
Thy perfect sacrifice shall he — 
And all the ransomed powers therein 
Shall go forth, glorif^dng Thee. 

Out of this spirit of Thy grace. 

Oh, who can tell what light has beamed ! 

I see the solitary place, 

A garden for Thy o^vn redeemed. 

I see the desolated gi'ound. 

With dews of Heavenly kindness fed — 

And fruits of joy and love surround 

The heart which Thou hast comforted. 

O knowledo;e all my thouo;hts above ! 
This thirsty vale I could not flee,* 
This yearning for unbounded love 
Has been " a door of hope " to me. 
Who would go forth in haste by flight. 
From the dry land which Thou wilt bless — 
Sown with the everlastino; liaht, 
That shows Thy " very faithfulness ! " 

* Hosea ii. 6. 



68 HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS, 

Thou liast loved me, O Lord, my strength ; 
On Thee my yielded heart shall lean ; 
Thy guiding love in all its length 
Shall teach me all Thy judgments mean. 
And I will ask Thee for a sign 
That many an anxious eye may see — 
Give me the love that rests in Thine, 
For those whom Thou hast tried like me. 

Love that believes, is always sweet 

To fearful hearts, which Thou wilt guide, 

And mine may win some timid feet, 

To the deep River's quiet side. 

While from that River's fertile banks. 

My resting eye their portion sees — 

O that my soul might yield Thee thanks, 

By comforting the least of these. 




XXII. 

'' Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of Thy waterspouts ; 
all Thy waves and Thy billows are gone over me. Yet the 
Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and 
m the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto 
the God of my life."— Psalm xlii. 7, 8. 




•O not far from me, O my strength, 
AVhom all my times obey ; 
Take from me anything Thou wilt. 
But go not Thou away, — 
And let the storm that does Thy work 
Deal with me as it may. 



On Thy compassion I repose, 
In weakness and distress : 

I will not ask for greater ease, 
Lest I should love Thee less. 



70 HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

Oh, 'tis a blessed thing for me 
To need Thy tenderness. 

While many sympathizing hearts 

For my deUverance care, 
Thon, in Thy wiser, stronger love, 

Art teaching me to bear — 
By the sweet voice of thankful song, 

And calm, confiding prayer. 

Thy love has many a lighted path. 

No outward eye can trace. 
And my heart sees Thee in the deep. 

With darkness on its face. 
And communes with Thee, mid the storm. 

As in a secret place. 

O comforter of God's redeemed, 
AVhom the world does not see, 

What hand should pluck me from the flood. 
That casts my soul on Thee ? 

Who would not suifer pain like mine, 
To be consoled like me ? 



HYMXS AND MEDITATIOXS. 

When I am feeble as a child, 
And flesh and heart give way, 

Then on Thy everlasting strength. 
With passive trust I stay. 

And the rough wind becomes a sono: 
The darlaiess shines like day. 



&' 



Oh, blessed are the eyes that see, 
Thoucrh silent ano;nish show, 

The love that in their hours of sleep, 
Unthanked may come and go. 

And blessed are the ears that hear, 
Though kept awake by woe. 

Happy are they that learn, in Thee, 
Though patient suffering teach. 

The secret of enduring strength. 
And praise too deep for speech — 

Peace that no pressure from without, 
No strife within, can reach. 

There is no death for me to fear. 
For Christ, my Lord, hath died ; 



72 



HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 



There is no curse in this my pain, 

For He was crucified. 
And it is fellow sJiip with Him 

That keeps me near His side. 

My heart is fixed, O God, my strength 
My heart is strong to bear ; 

I will be joyful in Thy love. 
And peaceful in Thy care. 

Deal with me, for my Saviour's sake, 
According to His prayer. 

No suffering while it lasts is joy, 

How blest soe'er it be — 
Yet may the chastened child be glad 

His Father's face to see ; 
And oh, it is not hard to bear, 

What must be borne in Thee. 

It is not hard to bear by faith. 

In Thy own bosom laid. 
The trial of a soul redeemed. 

For Thy rejoicing made. 



HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 73 

AYell may the heart in patience rest, 
That none can make afraid. 



Safe in Thy sanctifying grace, 

Almighty to restore — 
Borne onward — sin and death behind, 

And love and life before — 
Oh, let my sonl abound in hope. 

And praise Thee more and more ! 

Deep unto deep may call, but I 
With peaceful heart will say — 

Thy loving-kindness hath a charge 
No waves can take away ; 

And let the storm that speeds me home. 
Deal with me as it may. 



ms, 



XXIII. 

" God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellow- 
ship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord." — 1 Cor. i. 6. 




OWED with a burden none can 
weigli save Thee, 
Strength of my hfe, on Thee I cast 
my care ; 
My heart must prove its own infirmity, 
But what shall move me, if my God be 
there ? 



Oh for a thankful song with every breath. 
While amid fading flowers and withering 
grass, 
I, with Thee, through the grave and gate 
death. 
On to my joyful resurrection pass. 



HYMXS AXD MEDITATIOXS. 



75 



Armed with the spirit of mj Master's mind, 
How shall I spare a thought that He 
would slay ? 
Lord I would leave those tliiiio;s which 
are behind, 
And press towards Heaven through all 
the narrow way. 

Bright be my prospect as I pass along ; — 
An ardent service at the cost of all, — 

Love by untiring ministry made strong, 
And ready for the first, the softest call. 

Yes, God is faithftil — and my lot is cast ; 

Oh not myself to serve, my o^^i to be ! 
Light of my life, the darkness now is past. 

And I beneath the Cross can work for 
Thee. 



^m. 



XXIV. 

"He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth 
his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal." — St. 
John xii. 25. 




:WEET be Thy words of sternest 
truth, 
My risen Lord to me ! 
Hid in the secret of my heart 

Their deepest treasure he ; 
That I may comprehend the joy 
Of sacrifice for Thee. 



And softly let the light of life, 

Before Thy servant shine, 
That through the gloom Avith steadfast T^^ll, 

My soul may follow Thine — 



HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 77 

Calm in the depth of one desire, 
And strong in one design. 

Bnt never let me think I see 

Thy heavenly things aright, 
Unless the single eye of love 

Fill my whole mind with light, 
And to be like Thee in Thy death 

Seems glorious * in my sight. 

That willing sacrifice of Thine 

My meditation make, 
Till to the true delight of life 

My soul with songs awake, — 
And all that spoils me of myself 

Be treasure for Thy sake. 

The tenderest heart Thy hands have made 

Beneath Thy rule may rest ; 
For He who made it for Himself 

Knows what will shield it best, — 
The feeblest lover of Thy law. 

Dwells safely in Thy breast. 

* 2 St. Peter i. 3. 



78 HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

Now through a strait and painful way 

My weary feet must press ; 
But what shall hurt the struo^o-lino; soul 

Which Thou hast died to bless, 
Or prompt a spirit to complain 

That knows its blessedness ! 



Nor seems it strange to one who weio-hs 

The joy of liberty, 
This death of suffering to himself. 

This life of love to Thee, 
Which gives the lowly power to reign 

And makes the servant free. 

let no timid faithless thouojht 
Prevail my bonds to spare ! 

Lord, I can drink Thy bitter cup. 
Thy fiery trial share, — 

1 can deny myself for Thee, 
And for Thy glory care. 

Only the unction of Thy love. 
With every cross be mine — 



HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 



79 



Till these Thy words — so firm to gird, 

So searching to refine — 
Be sweet unto Thy servant's soul 

Even as they are to Thine. 





XXV. 

"It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with Him, we 
shall also live with Him: if we suffer, we shall also reign 
with Him." — 2 Timothy ii. 11, 12. 

" Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in mj- infirm- 
ities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." — 2 Cor. 
xii. 9. 

OMPASSED about with songs, my 
soul was still — 
But not for lack of light its bliss 
to see ; 
Thy heart, my Father, could the temple fill. 
And its deep silence was a song to Thee. 
My mind reposed in its captivity. 

By the clear evidence of love subdued ; 
I was content to die, that I might be 
Redeemed forever from my solitude. 
All that was in me to Thy throne aspired 
Longed for Thy heavenly glory to be 
meet, — 



HYAINS AND MEDITATIONS. 8 1 

Devotion was the joy to be desired, 

And the one thought of sacrifice was 
sweet. 

But He who knew my frame was training 
me 
For service needing strength that cannot 
wane, 
And teaching me my frail mortahty 

By solemn reckonings of the weight of 
pain. 
I in my weakness — how was I to reign. 
When suffering was the only way to 
power ? 
And would my spirit in His strength remain, 
When watching was a strife of one short 
hour ? 
Could I with steadfast heart myself deny ? 
Could I with patient love the Cross en- 
dure ? 
Should I be every day content to die, 
To keep my daily life in Him secure ? 



82 HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS, 

Then with fresh sweetness, from the saints 
in light, 
One song of victory to my soul made 
known. 
How the hid treasure of the Church's might 
Was in the power of her Beloved alone. 
And then Thy glory to my heart was shown, 
Even as the glory of the blest above ; — 
I knew Thy steadfast spirit was my own, 
By the pure joy of Thy reflected love. 
And the mind communed with me that 
was his 
Who said " When I am weak then am 
I strong " — 
Until the voice of my infirmities 

Made harmony with that triumphant song. 




XXVI. 

" Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in 
the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee." — Gen. xiii. 
17. 

" All things are yours things present." — 

1 Cor. iii. 21, 22. 

'HILE toil and warfare urge us on 

our way, 
And heart is answering heart in 
signs of pain, 
Have we no words of strengthening joy to 
say — 
No songs for those who suffer but to 
reign? 




Oh for the faithful mind, the steadfast eye. 
To keep our Leader's glory full in sight. 



84 HY31NS AND MEDITATIONS. 

And make our converse, even while we die, 
An interchange of triumph and dehght. 

Behold, the paths of life are ours — we see 
Our blest inheritance where'er we tread ; 

Sorrow and danger our security. 

And disappointment lifting up our head. 

Kings unto God, we may not doubt our 
power. 
We may not languish when He says, 
" Be strong " — 
We must move on through every adverse 
hour. 
And take possession as we pass along. 

Yes, all is for us — nothing shall withstand 
Our faithful, valiant, persevering claim ; — 

The rod of God's Anointed in our hand. 
And our assurance His unchanging name. 

We need no haste where He has said 
" Be still "— 



HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 85 

No peace where He has charged us to 
contend ; 
Only the fearless love to do His will, 
And to show forth His honor to the end. 

O ye that faint and die, arise and live ! 

Sing, ye that all things have a charge to 
bless ! 
If He is faithful who hath sworn to give, 

Then be ye also faithful, and possess. 

Take thy whole portion with thy Master's 
mind — 
Toil, hindrance, hardness, with His virtue 
take — 
And think how short a time thy heart may 
find 
To labor or to suffer for His sake. 

Count all the pains that speed thee to thy 
rest 
Among the riches of thy purchased right ; 



86 HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

Yea, bind them In His name upon thy 
breast, 
As jewels for the Bride, the Lamb's de- 
hght. 

And love shall teach us while on Him we 
lean. 

That, in the certainty of coming bliss, 
We may be yearning for a world unseen. 

Yet wear our beautiful array in this. 

Ours be a loyal love for service tried. 
To show, by deeds and words and looks 
that cheer, 
How He can bless the scene in which He 
died. 
And fill His house mth glory even here. 




XXVII. 

" Jesus said unto His disciples, If any man will come after 
me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow 
me." — St. Matt. xvi. 24. 

" I lead in the M'ay of righteousness, in the midst of the 
paths of judgment: that I may cause those that love me to 
iuherit substance, and I will fill their treasures." — Pro v. 
viii. 20, 21. 




EAVENLY things my soul hath 



seen. 



Things the Holy Spirit shows, — 
Things on which the heart can lean 

When the flesh has no repose. 
All was light, and life and rest — 
Love was mine, and I was blest : 
Every pain I had to bear 
Proved my Shepherd's tender care ; 
Everything I had to do 



88 HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

Taught my heart that He was true : 
I could choose the way He trod, 
I could give my will to God. 
"Waters still and pastures green, 
Pleasant paths my soul hath seen. 

Is it all a vision gone ! 

Was the gladness all in vain ? 
Oh to travel firmly on ! 

Oh to tread those paths again ! 
Lord, on Thee my help is laid ; 
Thou art true, but I have strayed ; — 
Left Thee with a froward will. 
Strayed from One who loves me still. 
Through the tangled waste I see. 
Seek the sheep that pants for Thee. 
Show me the forsaken track, 
Lead Thy wanderer safely back : 
Let no fear my steps withhold 
From the flock within Thy fold. 

Sacred memories do not cease — 
Still my heart, where'er I go, 



HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 89 

Sees the river of thy peace 

Through those pleasant pastures flow. 
Still, amid the desert drear, 
Songs of heavenly love I hear. 
Heavenly love ! the sound is sweet, 
Lo, it stays my wandering feet, — 
Leads to Thee for all I lack, — 
Softly bids me welcome back. 
Thoughts of perfect gifts it brings, 
Thoughts of deep enduring things, — 
Thoughts of joy I yet may see 
Hidden in Thy word for me. 

my Saviour ! never more 

From my treasure to depart. 
Now my failing will restore. 

Fix the purpose of my heart. 
Let Thy spirit in me be 
Springing up in love to Thee. 
Listening, following day by day, 
Steadfast in my onward way. 
Girded with Thy faithful mind, 
Pleasant paths I yet shall find. 



90 



HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

Fountains at my feet shall rise, 
Riches hid shall meet mine eyes. 

Songs of glory to my God 
In the desert shall be heard ! 

There is comfort in Thy rod, 
Power in Thy reproving word. 

In a spirit all thine own 

Make Thy hardest sayings kno^vn. 

They will guard me with Thy strength, 

Bear me all my journey's length ; 

Give me for the daily strife, 

Joy and health and plenteous life. 

Hid within for precious fruit. 

Love shall take eternal root — 

Love that in the Spirit lives ; 

Love that grows by all it gives. 

'Neath a rule so firm to bless, 

I shall learn Thy gentleness. 

Show it forth in all I do. 

Making others feel it too. 

Saviour ! fast the moments flee — 



HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. gi 

Oh decide my will to-day. 
Bind my heart to follow Thee 

Ere the song has died away. 
Never let a fear or pain 
Turn me to myself again. 
Though my strengh has failed me long, 
Let Thy promise make me strong — 
Strong my nature to withstand, — 
Strong to hold Thy guiding hand. 
All the joy before me set 
Teach me never to forget. 
If indeed w^ith Thee to stay 
I must choose a narrow way, — 
If my inmost heart must give 
All its purpose, thus to live, — 
Still, my portion Thou must be, 
Still my spirit cries to Thee. 
Oh for all Thy light to shme ! 
Oh for love to keep me Thine. 





XXVIII. 

" I commune with mine own heart." — Psalm Ixxvii. 6. 

RE another step I take 

In my wilful wandering way, 
Still I have a choice to make — 
Shall I alter while I may ? 

Patient love is waiting still 

In my Saviour's heart for me ; 

Love to bend my froward will, 
Love to make me really free. 

Far from Him, what can I gain ? 

Want and shame, and bondage vile — 
Better far to bear the pain 

Of His yoke a little while. 



inn\INS AND MEDITATIONS. 93 

Soon I might its comfort find ; 

Soon my thankful heart might cry, 
"In Thy meek obedient mind, 

As Thou walkest so would I." 

In His paths what covild I lack ? 

God's own hand my cup would fill ; 
Hark ! my Saviour calls me back — 

Shall I turn with all my will ? 

Still His wisdom I may get — 
Learn to labor while I pray. 

Striving till my feet be set 
Fu'mly in the narrow way. 




XXIX. 

A RESURRECTION HYMN. 
The Lord is risen." 

EAR Saviour of a dying world, 
Where grief and change must be, 
In the new grave where Thou 
wast laid 
My heart lies down with Thee. 
Oh, not in cold despair of joy. 

Or weariness of pain, 
But from a hope that shall not die, 
To rise and live again. 




I would arise in all Thy strength 
My place on earth to fill. 

To work out all my time of war 
With love's unflinchins: will. 



HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

Firm against every doubt of Thee 

For all my future way — 
To walk in Heaven's eternal lio-ht 

Throughout the changing day. 

Ah, such a day as Thou shalt own 

When suns have ceased to shine ! 
A day of burdens borne by Thee, 

And work that all was Thine. 
Speed Thy bright rising in my heart, 

Thy righteous kingdom speed, — 
Till my whole life in concord say, 

" The Lord is risen indeed." 

Oh for an impulse from Thy love 

With every coming breath, 
To sing that sweet undying song 

Amid the wrecks of death ! 
A " hail ! " to every mortal pang 

That bids me take my right. 
To glory in the blessed life 

Which Thou hast brought to light. 



95 



96 EYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

I Ions: to see the hallowed earth 

In new creation rise, 
To find the germs of Eden hid 

Where its fallen beauty lies, — 
To feel the spring-tide of a soul 

By one deep love set free, 
Made meet to lay aside her dust 

And be at home with Thee. 



And then — there shall be yet an end — 

An end now full to bless ! 
How dear to those who watch for Thee 

With human tenderness. 
Then shall the saying come to pass 

That makes our hope complete, 
And, rising from the conquered grave, 

Thy parted ones shall meet. 

Yes — they shall meet, and face to face 

By heart to heart be known. 
Clothed with Thy Likeness, Lord of Life, 
And perfect in their own. 



HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 97 

For this coriTiptible must rise 

From its corruption free, 
And this frail mortal must put on 

Thine immortality. 

Shine then, Thou Kesurrection Light, 

Upon our sorrows shine ! 
The fulness of Thy joy be om's. 

As all our griefs were Thine. 
Now in this changing, dying life 

Our faded hopes restore. 
Till, in Thy triumph perfected, 

We taste of death no more. 




XXX. 



A NEW-YEAR HYMN. 




UNLIGHT of the heavenly day, 

Mighty to revive and cheer, 
Bless our yet untrodden way, 
Lead us through the entered year. 
Where the shades of death we see, 
Let Thv livincr brio-htness be — 
Let it speed our lingering feet — 
Let it shine on all we meet. 
While before our chastened gaze 
Earthly pleasures fade and fiiil, 
Thou, the light of all our days — 
Thou, our steadfast glory, hail ! 

Forward, though the path be hid ; 
Though we pass the lurking foe ; 



EYMXS AND MEDITATIONS. 



99 



Thougli the sound of war forbid, 
Girt with gladness, let us go. 
Bold in Thy protecting care, 
Strong to i)rove Thee fkithftil there ; 
Through the desert or the sea, 
On, to reigii in life with Thee. 

Ah, with more than fearless heart. 
Homeward be our faces set ; 

Show us in our present part 

Wealth we have not measured yet. 

Open Thou beneath om- tread 

Springs the distance could not show; 

From the holy Fountain-head, 
Let them rise where'er we go. 
Rather give us eyes to see — 

Love awake to love in Thee 

Hearts that, trusting in Thy care. 
Find its traces everywhere. 

Teach us, as we pass along, 
Li the shining of Thy face, 

Many a sweet thanksgiving-song. 
Even in a dreary place. 



100 HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

While with firm, unyielding will 
For the victor's crown we strive, 

Gracious Saviour, keep us still 
To Thy gentlest signs alive — 
Where the stormy wind is heard, 
Quick to every tender word. 
And for all our journey's length. 
Armed vnth meekness more than streno-th. 

o 

In the shadow of Tliy hand 

We can brave the uprooting gale, 

And a little child may stand 

Where the soldier's heart would fail. 

Oft a desolatino; blast 

Bears the seed of comfort too. 

And the patient soul at last 
Finds a garden where it blew ; 
So, where nothing cheers our sight, 
Germs of love may spring to light, 
Bright 'mid earth's oppressive shades. 
Fresh beside the leaf that fades. 

Let the precious seed abound — 
Make the tempest strong to bless, 



JIYMXS AND MEDITATIONS. loi 

Strong to claim our thorny ground 
For the fruits of holiness. 

Lord of All ! we cannot know 
What our paths may yet unfold ; 

But the part that love would show — 
Wise to save us — Thou hast told. 
By our heart's unmeasured price — 
By Thy life-long sacrifice — 
By Thy death to set us free, 
Lead us on to joy in Thee. 

On, to greet the perfect day, 

Blessed End of time and strife, — 

On, through all the shining way. 
Brightness of our human life. 




XXXI. 



BEREAVEMENT. 




[LOW on, Thou Fountain of my joy, 
Through all the wilderness I 
Thou seest what will work for good, 
Thou knowest how to bless. 
Get Thyself glory, my God, 
Be praised in my distress ! 



Oh, let Thy true, refining love 
Its utmost pleasure see ; 

And lift not up Thy faithful hand 
Whate'er my cry may be, 

Till I am strong for Thy renown. 
And pure for use to Thee. 



HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 



103 



I know Thine eye has weighed the path 

To Thy lost creature's Miss. 
No comfort could supply the need 

Of grief so sore as this ; — 
No joy could wake my heart so well 

To Thy full preciousness. 

Thou wast the Source of all that love 
Which makes me glad no more, — 

And Thou hast taken to Thyself 
What was Thine own before. 

Thine, and mine too, O Good to give, 
O Faithful to restore. 

That lo^^ng spirit is withdrawn 

From every shade of sin ; 
And I in sympathy with her 

A holier life bemn. 
Yes ! to her new delio-ht in Thee, 

I, Lord, can enter in. 

She with Thee, wheresoe'er Thou art, 
In fellowship untold ! 



104 HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

She in Thee, Hving by my Bread, 
My Hope, my heart's stronghold ! 

Oh ! 'tis a song for days of grief, 
Whate'er their depths unfold. 

As one whose mother comforts him, 

I will lift up my head. 
No wound of Thine shall take the life 

From words which Thou hast said. 
And in the fulness of Thy truth 

I shall he comforted. 



^^m^ 




XXXII. 



*' Whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." 
St. Matt. xvi. 25. 




ear 



hath 



there is more that 

heard, 
Light of the World, in this Thy 

word ! 
It speaks the Hving soul to win ; 
It claims the loving heart within ; 
It tells us, inly understood, 
That Thou art God, that Thou art good. 
Here our fallen nature raised we see, — 
Here our lost glory shines in Thee, — 
And man sees man in mortal strife, 
A witness that to love is life. 



I06 HYMNS AND MEDITATIONS. 

Yes, for Thy sake — O strong to bear ! 
The secret of Thy strength was there. 
'Twas not the power which gave us breath, 
That urged Thee through the gates of 

death, 
That bade Thee tread the press alone 
To make the Father's message known. 

o 

It was Thy spmt's deep mtent ; 
It was Thy love for Him who sent ; 
It was His joy that bore Thee through, 
And he who sees Thee sees Him too. 

Yes, for Thy sake, O God Most High, 
O ! Man Most Meek, we too can die : — 
Die to the death which Thou hast slain. 
Die to the deepest source of pain. 
And walk, by Love's sustaining store, 
As seekers of our own no more. 

We can hear more than ear hath heard. 
Life of the World ! in this Thy word ; 
And wastes shall break forth into song. 
As in its power we pass along. 



IIYMXS AND MEDITATIONS. 



107 



For lo ! in hidden deep accord, 
The servant mai/ be Hke his Lord. 
And Thy love our love shining through, 
May tell the world that Thou art true, 
Till those who see us see Thee too. 



T^ 2S. 2£ !^ 2£ SS ^ ^sf 

ISS> CtCj CrO CtO «^o O^cj o»o <aBL 



PRINTED Br 





'^^\ %^^^^^ :>V^:^. ^^ 













<r -^ 



■?►' 




